Support can mean many things depending on the context in which it is used.   If we look at support in a technical role it can be said its definition is to give strength to or maintain.   So in simple terms, we support what we sell or make.  Doesn’t everyone?   What sets them apart?

Core pieces exist in almost every controls project. As we have discussed before, standards are used to keep these pieces consistent from system to system. Given a baseline of information, an exact procedure is followed to produce the various outputs required for the project. In 1995, Avanceon automated that process around the tools and technologies of the day through a software tool we called AutoGen. I/O lists and PLC rack layouts were among the information put into a MSAccess database to generate the documentation, drawing and controls outputs, the latter of which centered around register based PLC code and corresponding HMI tags. Over the years we have updated the output to be compatible with more modern technologies as well with ControlLogix PLC code and object creation and configuration directly in the Galaxy. However, the core design based around the I/O point limits the potential impact this tool can have on a project.  As the technologies and architectures have changed, we needed to upgrade our AutoGen tool to allow us to maximize our efficiency.  Thus producing, AutoGen 2.0.   

“Communication is the key.” We have probably heard this more times than we care to count throughout our career. We communicate on a daily basis to our family, friends, clients, supervisors, and subordinates. How often have you asked yourself, “What went wrong? How could I possibly have been misunderstood?” One method that will help with the answer is the communication square (or “Four Ear Model”) by Friedemann Schultz von Thun. 

A chunk of my world today revolves around following up on my kids.  Confirming they do what they are supposed to do or hounding them if they don't do it.  I spend entirely too much time checking and rechecking that they:

Everyone wants to go green.  However, in times like these it ‘s hard to invest in an energy conservation solution which promises long term benefits yet calls for scary upfront costs. Manufacturers have hoped to see incentives from the government to help them invest in new technology to improve productivity and efficiency. After a long lull, there comes the best tax break in years with the Section 179 Deduction.